A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of UN1950, Aerosols, Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas). The product is packaged in non-reusable containers designed to be expelled by a propellant. What is the maximum distance the driver may park the vehicle from the traveled portion of the roadway during an en route stop, if not at a designated parking area?
- AWithin 5 feet
- BWithin 10 feet
- CWithin 25 feet
- DWithin 50 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Within 5 feet
FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 397.7) state specific parking rules for placarded vehicles. For vehicles transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 (explosives), or Division 2.3 (poison gas) or Class 7 (radioactive materials requiring placarding), the vehicle must not be parked within 5 feet of the traveled portion of the highway. For all other placarded hazardous materials, including Class 2.1 flammable gas, the vehicle must be parked within 5 feet of the traveled portion of the highway, unless it's a designated parking area. The question asks for the maximum distance from the roadway, meaning the vehicle cannot be further than 5 feet away, implying it must be within 5 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. 10 feet is not a specified parking distance for this class of material under FMCSA regulations.
- C. Incorrect. 25 feet is a minimum distance for parking from bridges, tunnels, etc., not from the traveled portion of the roadway for most HazMat.
- D. Incorrect. 50 feet is a specific minimum parking distance from buildings for certain explosives, not a general distance from the roadway for Class 2.1.
HazMat Parking Distance (Roadway)
Specific FMCSA regulations dictate how far a placarded hazardous materials vehicle must be parked from the traveled portion of the roadway during en route stops, depending on the hazard class.
- For Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, or placarded Class 7: vehicle must NOT be within 5 feet of roadway.
- For ALL OTHER placarded HazMat: vehicle MUST be within 5 feet of roadway, unless in a designated parking area.
- These rules apply during en route stops, not at loading/unloading areas.
- Specific distances also apply for parking near bridges, tunnels, dwellings, etc.
Memory trick: Five feet is the key, know if you're 'in' or 'out' of that zone.